Your Questions. Answered.
We recognise that you may have questions about starting therapy, how our sessions work, or our fees.
This section brings together the most common enquiries to help you feel informed and more at ease as you consider your next step.
If your question is not answered below, please feel free to Contact Us
Getting Started
The first session is an opportunity for the counsellor and client to get to know each other. It involves exploring what has brought the client to counselling, discussing their goals, and considering how they might work together moving forward.
No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to book your first session.
We do not offer a discovery session. However, upon request, we can offer a full 45-minute complimentary therapeutic appointment to start your journey if you are unsure about therapy. This is a genuine opportunity to experience the full counselling process, speak openly with a counsellor, and see how the work feels for you. We will explore what brings you in, discuss your goals, and decide how we might work together. There is absolutely no obligation to book another session.
Contact us for details.
You can book through the Online Scheduling Form on our website or email directly for assistance.
Yes. All sessions are confidential, and your information is protected in line with ethical and professional guidelines, except in cases of risk or legal obligation.
Yes. For more than 20 years, our counsellor has worked with a wide and diverse range of clients, including adolescents, adults, couples, tertiary students, working professionals, and families from diverse cultural, religious, and relational backgrounds.
She has helped them navigate depression, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, burnout, life transitions, grief and loss, relationship conflict, divorce, parenting challenges, childhood trauma, LGBT matters, anger management, and offered career guidance.
Yes. Our counsellor holds a Master of Counselling from Monash University and a Bachelor of Psychological Science from James Cook University. She a member of the Singapore Association of Counselling (SAC), the professional body for counselling practitioners in Singapore.
Understanding Therapy
We work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, as well as questions around identity and purpose.
Most clients attend weekly sessions, though this can be adjusted to suit your needs and preferences.
Each counselling session lasts for 60 minutes.
There is no fixed duration, and you are free to stop at any point. Some clients come for a few sessions, while others choose to engage in longer-term work. We will review this together as we go.
Research suggests that the most meaningful reduction in psychological distress tends to occur after around eight counselling sessions, with clients reporting the strongest positive changes at this point (Saxon et al., 2016).
Evidence also indicates that individuals who end therapy within the first three sessions are less likely to benefit, as improvements often begin to emerge after the third session (Crago & Gardner, 2012).
Not at all. Many people seek therapy for personal growth, stress management, or to work through difficult life events, not necessarily a mental illness.
That is completely fine. Therapy is a space to explore your thoughts and feelings, even when they feel vague or confusing.
Our approach is evidence-based, flexible, and grounded in clinical experience. We do not use a ''one-size-fits-all'' solution. Instead, we tailor well-established therapeutic techniques to fit your unique needs, goals, and what feels most helpful to you.
Fees & Payment
Session fees are listed on the Fees page.
Yes, concessionary rates may be available in some circumstances. Please enquire for further details.
Cancellations or missed appointments with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur the full session fee. We appreciate advance notice wherever possible.
Yes, rescheduling is possible with at least 24 hours’ notice, subject to availability.
Payments can be made via PayNow UEN, bank transfer, credit card, or debit card.
Yes, advance payment is required to confirm your session and reduce no-shows. This helps keep the service affordable for everyone.
Yes, invoices can be issued upon request. Please inform us during booking or after your session.
No, GST is not currently charged on counselling services provided through this practice.
No. Counselling sessions are not Medisave-claimable in Singapore.
You are encouraged to check with your Singapore insurer regarding coverage for counselling. We will provide official invoices directly to you upon request to substantiate your claim for reimbursement. We do not bill or communicate directly with insurance providers.
Online and In-Person Sessions
Yes, in-person sessions are available at our clinic by appointment only.
Yes. Online counselling is available via secure video call and is equally effective for many clients.
We offer a uniform rate to reflect our core belief that your investment is in our professional time, expertise, and the consistent quality of service we deliver. Whether you choose a session in our physical space or from the convenience of your home, the value, preparation, and specialised knowledge you receive are always identical.
Yes, sessions are held via encrypted platforms and your privacy is fully respected. You will need a quiet, private space on your end as well.
Absolutely. You can alternate between online and in-person sessions depending on your needs and schedule.
A stable internet connection, a private space, and a device with a camera and microphone are all you need.
Both are effective. The right format depends on your comfort, access, and needs. We can discuss what feels right for you.
Confidentiality & Records
Only your counsellor. Notes are never shared unless required by law or risk of serious harm.
No. Attendance and content of sessions remain confidential, unless you provide written consent to share information.
Records are securely retained for up to seven years, in line with professional and legal requirements, after which they are permanently deleted.
You may request deletion or transfer of records in writing, and it will be processed within a reasonable timeframe in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 of Singapore (PDPA).
Before and After Counselling
No preparation is required. Simply come as you are, with curiosity and openness to talk about what feels important. We have prepared a guide that explains what happens before, during, and after your first appointment so you can walk in feeling prepared and at ease.
It is very normal to feel anxious before beginning therapy. We will go at your pace, and there is no pressure to share more than you feel ready to.
Sessions are conducted one-to-one unless arranged as couples counselling. Having a trusted companion wait nearby is fine, but they will not be present in the session itself.
Tears and strong feelings are part of the healing process. You will be supported and given space to express emotions safely.
Progress may show up as greater self-awareness, calmer reactions, or new ways of thinking. We will check in regularly to review what feels helpful.
Private counselling offers timely, personalised support from a qualified professional who can focus fully on your concerns. With shorter waiting times and greater continuity, sessions can move at your pace and allow for deeper, more consistent progress.
While subsidised services are valuable, higher caseloads and structured systems may feel less flexible for some people. Choosing private counselling is a conscious decision to prioritise your wellbeing and ensure your experiences receive dedicated attention. It is a reminder that your mental and emotional health truly matters.
Therapeutic Boundaries
Brief administrative messages are fine, but therapeutic discussions take place only during scheduled sessions to maintain clear boundaries.
Rather than advice, the focus is on helping you explore your own thoughts and choices to reach clarity and confidence.
Please mention it openly. Discomfort can be a valuable signal, and your counsellor will adjust the process to ensure you feel safe and respected.
Ending Counselling
Research suggests that the most meaningful reduction in psychological distress tends to occur after around eight counselling sessions, with clients reporting the strongest positive changes at this point (Saxon et al., 2016).
You may feel ready when your goals are met or you notice positive changes in your mood, thinking, or relationships. Ending is a collaborative decision.
Yes. You are always welcome to resume counselling if new challenges arise or you wish to continue personal growth.
If a different approach or specialist support would be more beneficial, your counsellor will discuss this openly and help with a referral.
Under certain circumstances and upon request, a brief written summary of the counselling work may be provided. This is for personal reflection only and is not a diagnostic or medico-legal report. Summaries are prepared at the counsellor’s discretion and are subject to a separate administrative fee. Requests for legal, insurance, employment, or court documentation are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Practical Matters
Yes. The Bridge Counselling Pte Ltd is a registered private limited company in Singapore. The practice operates from a physical clinic location at 545 Orchard Road, #05-26 Far East Shopping Centre and provides professional counselling and psychotherapy services in accordance with local regulations.
Our principal counsellor holds recognised academic qualifications in counselling and psychological science, and adheres to established professional and ethical standards. Clear fee structures, transparent policies, and written informed consent are provided prior to the start of therapy.
If you would like further reassurance, you may:
- Verify the company registration through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore
- Review our qualifications and professional background
- Contact us directly with any questions before booking
Your trust and safety are important. We are committed to providing transparent, professional, and responsible care.
Yes. Confirmation and reminder emails are sent automatically before each session.
Sessions start and end at the scheduled time. If you arrive late, the session will continue for the remaining time.
Yes. The Bridge Counselling provides direct EAP services for organisations in Singapore.
Enquire via the contact page for partnership details.
Yes. The Bridge Counselling provides EAP sessions through selected third party platforms, including Spring Health and Safe Space. We are fully vetted and approved providers on these platforms.
You will need to check directly with these platforms to confirm whether your organisation is covered:
If your organisation is supported, you can book your session through the platform.
In person sessions will take place at our clinic.
We provide same-day online counselling for individuals who are facing immediate challenges or heightened distress and wish to speak with a counsellor promptly.
However, this is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis, please contact a 24-hour helpline or visit the nearest hospital. See Emergency Resources.
Cultural Sensitivity
Yes. We work sensitively with the cultural norms, values, and pressures specific to Singapore and the wider Asian region.
Counselling respects your cultural identity and is adapted to align with your values, family background, and lived experience.
Our role is to listen and learn from your experiences. We approach each individual with respect and curiosity, rather than assumptions.
Yes, many clients explore family dynamics, expectations, and generational tensions that shape their wellbeing and identity.
If you have any language concerns, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Yes. We welcome people of all backgrounds, orientations, identities, and beliefs. This is a space where you will be treated with dignity and care.
